Hawthorn, Oh the possibilities!

I've been working with a new Plant lately. It is one that I have not had the chance to really get to know before. In herbalism it is used internally to strengthen the Heart and so it is used to help individuals who have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. This is the wonderful Hawthorn Berry.

It can be made into teas, tinctures and put into capsules for consumption. I also use it in my own magical practice. Since Hawthorn has beautiful red berries and thorns it has the protective qualities of a Fire herb. Also, to note, it increases circulation concerning the heart-blood, this is very much fire. Hawthorn is very protective of home and health. One of my favorite things to do for protection of home and body is to make a strong tea of Hawthorn Berries, drink a small cup of the tea with honey for health, and put the rest in a spray bottle with a bit of Vinegar (white or apple, its up to you!) Then I mist the doors and windows of the house so that no negative energies enter.

Hawthorn is associated with many deities and has much lore behind it that goes back thousands of years. One Goddess is Cardea, a Goddess of Door-hinges (responsible for the opening and closing of doors), Her plant is the Hawthorn to which she hung over the doorways/windows of children in the home for protection. Arbutus is added for the healing of children, which is added to a red cloth hung over the window, also containing Hawthorn. Hawthorns' Month is May, this is when it first begins to blossom (historically, global climate shifts have changed this a bit) so it has long been associated with Beltane and fertility rituals. It is said that if you bathe your hands in the floral essence of Hawthorn Blossoms in the month of May, you will learn to be a good (or even better) craftsmen.

The burning Bush from the Bible, was a variety of Hawthorn. Again this goes back to fire, in fact fire with a divine message. The Hawthorn has spirit within it, what does it say to you?

One of my first experiences at a circle, was a Native American Sweatlodge. There were a few requirements on entering. It was made clear that you could not be a menstruating woman and enter with everyone else. I asked why this rule was in place, directly to the Shaman leading circle . The Leader in this sweatlodge told me that A womans Menstral blood was powerful ~ if she entered a sweat with others who did not have that power at that time, she would command the energy of the group. Now I am paraphrasing, it was over ten years ago, but it was something that stuck with me. To know that my blood was not necessarily a "curse" as It has been said before, but a source of great energy and strength gave me a new way to look at menstruation. To learn to use my powerful blood in a way that benefits the greater good is a mystery path that I continue on, as well as one that is soul based, it is all not necessarily contained in the male/female form. There are many facets to life, death and rebirth, I do not have the answers to it all, I seek acceptance of my own body, of my soul and spirit. It is a constant challange to ascertain the truth within myself, I cannot do it for anyone else, I can only lead in love and trust.

There are quite a few rituals and events at Pantheacon that exclude people based on gender, age, or even whether or not you are menstruating at that time. What as powerful Rite to Lilith it was, that it has been the focus of these gender issues that have been going on for years. I feel so blessed to be part of this time of great change and growth. Lilith was at ritual that night and she has offered us a great gift. We have been given time, we have discovered our true friendships and loves. I see her in the women I know, her eyes big and searching, I hear her in the first drops of rain and on the howling wind and in the beasts that run through my garden at night. I am excited and contained, I stand strong with my sisters and brothers, we have become closer, we have shared wisdom, and are on the neverending search for truth.

Pantheacon 2011

As a High Priestess in CAYAs Wildflower tradition and in CAYA South Bay I made the trek along with thousands of other pagans to be part of Pantheacon 2011. I was only there Saturday since the 2 rituals I was takin part in happened to be on that day. I Took my trip early (9am) to enjoy Le'ema Kathleen Grahams presentation of "Dancing the Inner Serpent" I was amazed and energized that morning to have met a Visonary Snake Priestess and Sacred Dancer. She explained Snake Yoga and we all practiced this powerful style in the comfort of each other. Soon Le'ema brought out her snakes, two of which she has had for 20 years. We all were given the opportunity to dance with them, and the room came alive with bodies swaying and music gently playing in the backround. I was able to pick up the very last book she had at the presentation, to which I am grateful! If you know me, you know I have a million books... I dont read all of them, but I have to say I am almost done with this book and it has been only a couple days since the event. I would recommend it to anyone wishing to get a glimpse of the path that can lead up to Priestessing (what priestessing is and can be), and really any destiny that life can offer. Her writing is very frank and real. I can really admire and appreciate her ability to open up in such a way.

Right now I am an Amazon Initiate, soon to be Ordained as High Priestess by Yeshe Rabbit . Its been a rough road~Its not an easy path to take, but it is very much worth every step. Later on in the day I was taking part in the Amazon ritual "Rite of Lilith" which I had done once before at the Goddess Temple of Orange County. It is a ritual that is so special and beautiful, I feel like it got even better than the last and that is saying something! Le'ema danced her Lamia dance. It was a moving and healing peice. I danced during the Invocation of Lilith which is always a joy to do. All around it is a very magical time. Soon after was the Grove Of Hekate/Journey to the Nocturnal Realms an offering of CAYA South Bay. It was a very heavy ritual for the most part, Looking into ones own darkness is never easy. Together we came out of the darkness and awoke to a higher level of understanding.

I had fun, wished I could have stayed longer, but that is the way it is for now. I am very grateful for the time I have had ~